Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, Sekarbabu, conducted an inspection today (January 27) at the Marudhamalai Murugan Temple in Coimbatore to review ongoing development works, including plans for a massive Murugan statue and addressing internal encroachments on temple lands.
Speaking to reporters after the inspection, the minister emphasized that Tamil deity Murugan temples have received significant attention. “Rituals like ‘Kumbabhishekam’ (consecration ceremonies) have been conducted in 90 Murugan temples. Since the DMK government came to power, we have been facilitating special darshan for senior citizens aged 60-70 at government expense,” he said.
Major projects are underway at seven prominent Murugan temples, including Palani, Tiruchendur, Tiruttani, and Marudhamalai. At Marudhamalai, facilities such as a hair-offering hall and a dining hall for annadhanam (free meal offerings) are being established. With the increasing number of devotees, new amenities are being developed, and a lift facility is expected to be operational by May.
The government is planning to construct a 180-foot Murugan statue made of stone at the Marudhamalai temple, aiming to make it one of the tallest statues in Asia. Feasibility studies are currently underway.
Additionally, trustees will soon be appointed for the Velliangiri temple, where Rs. 21 crore worth of improvements have already been made. Medical facilities for hill climbers will also be enhanced.
The government has decided to provide additional annadhanam for Thaipoosam festival, with Chief Minister M.K. Stalin being described as the “Annadhanam Prabhu” (Lord of Free Meals). A formal announcement on regulations for annadhanam is expected soon.
The minister also confirmed that the consecration ceremony at Coimbatore’s Perur Patteeswarar Temple will be conducted in Tamil, ensuring cultural significance is upheld.
